CARYA CORDIFORMIS / BITTERNUT HICKORY

CARYA CORDIFORMIS / BITTERNUT HICKORY

A Majestic Native Tree with Nut-Bearing Value and Fall Color

Carya cordiformis, commonly known as Bitternut Hickory, is a native deciduous tree valued for its tall, straight trunk, pinnate green foliage, and distinctive yellow-green nuts. Thriving in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soils, Bitternut Hickory adds height, structure, and wildlife benefits to woodlands, large landscapes, and naturalized plantings. Its brilliant yellow fall foliage enhances seasonal interest.

Why Choose Bitternut Hickory?

Native & Wildlife Friendly: Nuts provide food for birds, squirrels, and other wildlife.
Ornamental Foliage: Pinnate leaves turn bright yellow in fall.
Tall & Majestic: Upright form adds structure and presence to landscapes.
Low Maintenance: Long-lived and adaptable once established.

Key Features:

Foliage Color: Green pinnate leaves turning bright yellow in fall.
Bark Color: Gray-brown, ridged and furrowed.
Height and Spread: Typically grows 60–80 feet tall and 40–60 feet wide.
Hardiness: Hardy to USDA Zones 3–8.
Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade.
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soils; tolerates loam, sandy, and clay soils.

Specifications:

Plant Size: 60–80 feet tall, 40–60 feet wide.
Growth Habit: Upright, straight-trunked deciduous tree.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–8.
Flowering: Inconspicuous catkins in spring; primarily valued for foliage and nuts.
Fall Interest: Bright yellow foliage and textured bark.

Ideal Uses:

Woodland & Naturalized Landscapes: Perfect for large forests, parks, and naturalized areas.
Specimen Plantings: Makes a striking focal point in spacious landscapes.
Wildlife Gardens: Provides nuts for birds, squirrels, and other animals.
Low-Maintenance Landscapes: Hardy, long-lived, and resilient once established.

Bitternut Hickory is a stately and ecologically valuable native tree. Its upright form, bright yellow fall foliage, and wildlife benefits make it a standout choice for woodlands, naturalized landscapes, and large ornamental gardens.